Accra, Ghana, August 26, 2025 – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, says the country is making strong progress in using solar energy to provide electricity for ordinary citizens.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC via telephone from Accra, Ghana Tuesday, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo said Liberia is currently pushing both small rooftop solar systems and larger projects that will be connected to the national grid. He noted that this approach will allow private individuals and companies to generate power and even sell back extra electricity into the grid.

“We are building solar systems to tap into the grid, but at the same time, people in the city and in the interior can use small-scale rooftop solar. This will give private individuals the incentive to go renewable,” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo explained.

When asked about concerns that Liberia may be relying too heavily on China, which produces most of the world’s solar panels, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo clarified that while some solar panels come from China, Liberia is also importing from California and other sources.

“The country is moving towards anybody who is willing to come and partner with Liberia, but also that partnership should not put Liberia at a disadvantaged position,” he said.

According to him, the government’s target is to use renewable energy to increase access to electricity nationwide within the next five to six years.

“By 2029 to 2030, the idea is to be able to power the economy so ordinary people have electricity. A lot of effort has been put into place so that in the future, the country can develop,” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo said.

The EPA boss stressed that renewable energy is not just about fighting climate change, but also about ensuring that people in the rural parts of Liberia can benefit from electricity like those in the capital.